Canada’s post-secondary institutions are at the forefront of excellence in science, research and innovation. They help to train the workforce of tomorrow and create the knowledge and insights needed by the private and public sectors to build a clean, sustainable economy.

The Minister of Science, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, today announced that the Government of Canada will launch the application process for a $2-billion fund that will improve research and innovation infrastructure at universities and colleges across the country.

Announced in Budget 2016, the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund will enhance and modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses and improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities. Consultation with the provinces and territories as well as work to implement the initiative as quickly as possible are already under way.

The targeted, short-term investments under the Fund will promote economic activity across Canada and help Canada’s universities and colleges develop highly skilled workers, act as engines of discovery and collaborate on innovations that help Canadian companies compete and grow internationally.

Quotes

“By improving our college and university facilities, we are supporting innovation, scientific research and entrepreneurship in Canada, which translates into sustainable economic growth and support for all Canadians.”

– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

“Canada’s post-secondary institutions are front-line agents in fostering science and research excellence. They help to train the workforce of tomorrow and create knowledge and insights necessary for the private sector and policy makers to build a thriving, clean economy. These investments will create good,well-paying jobs that can help the middle class grow and prosper today, while also delivering economic growth for years to come.”

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“Canada’s colleges and institutes welcome these important investments in post-secondary infrastructure. The projects that colleges and institutes undertake will strengthen the research and innovation resources available to businesses and organizations, provide students with opportunities to increase their innovation skills, and enhance the environmental sustainability of campuses and facilities across the country.”

– Denise Amyot, President & CEO, Colleges and Institutes Canada

“The U15 applauds the federal government’s support for post-secondary infrastructure. These investments will strengthen Canada’s capacity for groundbreaking research and help us to attract and retain top talent, build strong research clusters and foster the culture of innovation that Canada needs to prosper in the globally competitive research environment.”

– Feridun Hamdullahpur, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Waterloo, and Chair of U15

“Investment in post-secondary infrastructure is an‎ investment in Canada’s next generation of students and researchers. Improving the spaces where discoveries are made and where innovation takes place will fuel prosperity for years to come.”

– Elizabeth Cannon, President, University of Calgary, and Chair of Universities Canada

Quick facts

The Government of Canada will cover up to 50 percent of a project’s eligible costs. The remaining funding will come from other partners, including provincial and territorial governments and the institutions themselves.

Institutions that are affiliated or federated with an eligible institution—for example, research and teaching hospitals, research parks, incubators and accelerators—will also be able to apply through the university or college to which they are affiliated.

The program will support projects that:

improve the scale or quality of facilities for research and innovation, including commercialization spaces;

improve the scale or quality of facilities for specialized training at colleges focused on industry needs; or

improve the environmental sustainability of research- and innovation-related infrastructure at post-secondary institutions and of college training infrastructure.